A scientific and rapid industrial development is key to economic growth in China's western regions, said Chinese vice premier Zhang Dejiang during his trip in southwestern Yunnan Province from Thursday to Saturday.

It also played an important role in the west's efforts to tackle the global economic downturn, Zhang said.

Zhang urged the western regions, whose economy is relatively underdeveloped compared with the east, to strengthen the development of industries with regional advantages.

Efforts and care should also be paid to small-and-medium sized enterprises so as to achieve a sound industrial development.

Zhang pointed out a scientific development was to be obtained through innovations in management, technology and working systems, upgrading of the industrial structure, as well as resources saving and environmental protection.

During his visit to local companies, Zhang also stressed the importance of having more qualified entrepreneurs with outstanding ability to lead industrial development.

He encouraged China's entrepreneurs to reinforce confidence in the country's development and take initiative in realizing the national target to keep growth, employment and stability.

(Xinhua News Agency May 17, 2009)